This will not be the first time The Rickie Report has met AJ Brockman . You will be amazed at the strong, yet delicate details of his artwork. His artwork has been shown most recently at the Hobe Sound Art Festival as well as at the Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta, FL. The Rickie Report met AJ at an artist forum sponsored by the Palm Beach Cultural Council and could see his drive to make a statement about his fine art abilities. Don’t miss his booth at Artfest By The Sea!

Nozridr

AJ Brockman has faced challenges his entire life. He has been wheelchair bound since the age of two. As Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disease, devastated his body he continued pursuing his art, quickly realizing it was a true passion. He transitioned from acrylic paints to computer-generated art as he lost strength in his hands.

Tebow

Today, he creates fine art with a mouse and two fingers on his left hand. His painstaking attention to detail is evident in each and every work of art inspired by his surroundings and his experiences as a native South Floridian. His story is one of courage and perseverance, which he hopes, will inspire others to pursue their dreams and overcome their own obstacles.

AJ shares, “While registering for classes in high school, I came across a brand new elective course called Commercial Art Technology, and I thought it would be an interesting alternative to learning French or joining the volleyball team. As it turned out, the class was more than just interesting: It was a game-changer. Aided by computer software that replicates traditional painting/typesetting/layout, and fueled by my unwavering passion for all things artistic, I found I was once again able to create. I didn’t have complete use of my hands, but I learned to effectively manipulate the mouse using two fingers on my left hand. That’s all it took!”

Afternoon Stroll

AJ welcomes you to his website with this greeting, “Welcome to Single Handed Studio! Here you will find all of the digital painting & design of, me, AJ Brockman. I am an award-winning artist that truly has a passion for art, design and all things that are awesome. I also have SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), a progressive neuromuscular disease, and have been wheelchair-bound since age two. I view myself as being “differently abled” rather than “disabled” and I live life to the fullest every day”.

Mahi Mahi

A South Florida native, much of AJ’s work reflects the local natural inspiration: the ocean, landscapes, and a beachside lifestyle. However he does not limit himself to a specific genre. AJ goes on to say, “What I would like most of all is for others to enjoy my work, inspire creativity and prove that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and have the drive to do so”.

Ranked among the top art fairs in the country, Art Fest by the Sea is popular among locals and tourists alike who look forward to the wide variety of fine art on display and for sale. The artists will line one mile of AIA starting at Marcinski Road in Jupiter Beach and continuing to Donald Ross Road in Juno Beach. All artists will be present for the duration of the show, available to discuss their art and inspiration. Complimentary shuttle buses will be running from the Florida, Power & Light building on Universe Blvd. to the festival site each day. Parking and admission are free.

The 24th Annual Art Fest by the Sea takes place March 10 – 11, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and will include 300 artists from 30 different states. For more information: www.artfestival.com or 561-746-6615.

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